Answer the Call – Become a Volunteer Firefighter in Shuniah
The Municipality of Shuniah is proud of its strong sense of community. When neighbours need help, we step forward. That spirit of service is at the heart of Shuniah’s volunteer fire department and we are currently recruiting volunteer firefighters.
Spring Recruitment Drive Ends April 30th!!!
Application Form
Recruitment Program Information
If you’ve ever wondered whether you could make a difference in someone’s most difficult moment, this is your opportunity.
What Does Shuniah Fire & Emergency Services (SFES) Do?
SFES is a volunteer fire department responsible for:
- Fire suppression and structure fire response
- Emergency medical response
- Motor vehicle collision rescue and extrication
- Wildland and grass fire response
- Public education and fire prevention initiatives
- Mutual aid working with neighbouring departments
The Department operates under an Incident Command System and is governed by its Enabling and Regulating By-law passed by Council . Volunteer firefighters are essential to ensuring these services are delivered safely, efficiently, and reliably across our community.
A Commitment from the Municipality
The Municipality of Shuniah recognizes that volunteers are the backbone of emergency services in rural Ontario. That’s why we are committed to providing:
- All required training at no cost
- Department-issued protective gear and safety equipment
- Modern apparatus, tools, radios, and facilities
- Compensation for training, emergency response, truck checks, meetings, etc…
- WSIB coverage and supplemental insurance protection
- A professional, respectful, safety-focused environment
Training meets or exceeds Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements and recognized fire service standards. Once certification such as Firefighter I or II is achieved, it is portable and recognized across Ontario!!
You are not paying to volunteer — the Municipality invests in you.
What Is the Commitment?
Volunteer firefighting is meaningful and rewarding — but it is also serious work.
Members are expected to:
- Attend training regularly
- Respond to emergencies when available
- Attain provincially mandated certification training
- Follow all policies and Standard Operating Guidelines
- Conduct themselves professionally in the community
On average, volunteers are expected to regularly attend the weekly maintenance training one night a week and response to incidents varies significantly in hours a week depending on call volume and availability.
Importantly, volunteer firefighting recognizes that members bring different skills and comfort levels. Not every firefighter performs every task. Some focus on support roles, some on medical response, some on suppression — participation grows with training, confidence, and readiness.
Who Should Apply?
You do not need prior firefighting experience.
You should consider applying if you:
- Want to serve your community in a meaningful way
- Are willing to learn and train
- Can work as part of a team
- Are physically capable of performing emergency duties
- Can balance volunteer service with work and family life
Volunteer firefighting is designed to complement work and family responsibilities. Flexibility is built into the model while ensuring emergency readiness .
What Will You Gain?
Beyond training and certification, volunteer firefighters gain:
- Lifesaving skills
- Leadership and teamwork experience
- Strong friendships and camaraderie
- A deep sense of purpose
- The opportunity to serve neighbours in their time of need
There is also a strong community connection. SFES members participate in public education, community events, and local initiatives — reinforcing Shuniah’s reputation as a supportive, engaged municipality .
The Recruitment Process
Becoming a volunteer firefighter includes:
- Submission of an application
- Interview and reference checks
- Criminal record check (and vulnerable sector check where required)
- Entry into recruit training on a probationary basis
New recruits begin training before attending emergency incidents and are gradually integrated into response activities under supervision as qualifications are achieved .
Could This Be You?
Across Ontario, volunteer fire departments protect rural communities with professionalism and pride. In Shuniah, our firefighters are neighbours, parents, business owners, tradespeople, retirees, and students. They come from all walks of life — but share one common trait: They step forward when others need help.
If you are looking for a way to give back, build new skills, and become part of something bigger than yourself, consider joining Shuniah Fire & Emergency Services.
Your community may one day depend on you. And you may discover it is one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make.
For more information please visit our Shuniah website to review our Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Package and Application Form or Contact the Fire Chief at (807) 983-2021.
